JANUARY 17, 2024 HERBS FOR THE LUNGS

Many individuals this year have had respiratory ( lung ) viruses. It is far worse than previous years. I have a solution to respiratory viruses. Start using herbs

My first choice is the use of Propolis. I am fortunate to tincture my own from my bees ( Available at Botanical Bounty ) Propolis is good for all respiratory tract infections like sore throats, coughs, and even sinus infections Great for strep throat.

The next supplement I advocate for is NAC- N-acetyl system ( the precursor to gluthathione ) NAC helps open the airways. It acts similar to a steroid inhaler that asthma patients use. often use glutathione via a nebulizer to help these patients

Then I recommend a blend of different herbs. You could these as single herbal agets or even combine them.

These are

1. Lomatium - great fr pneumonia and COPD. I recommend regular use during this cold and flu season

2. Osha an excellent herb for the lungs

3. Mullein leaf and flowers- great expectorant properties

4. Elderberry tea /syrup

5. Chrysanthemum tea

6. Cleavers tea to drain the lymph systen

7. Goldenseal

8. Cat’s Claw

   You see Mother nature has a variety of herbs to prevent , support and treat these respiratory viruses/bacteria—this way you do not drown in your mucous ( and get White Lung Syndrome )

   Until tomorrow…

JANUARY 16, 2024 MUCOUS IN OUR BODIES

Most of us walk around with increased amounts of mucous in our bodies due a stagnant liver and lymph system This increased mucous and a stagnant liver make our bodies susceptible to different bacteria and viruses which then affect our lungs

First we have to avoid mucous build up You must hydrate hydrate and hydrate We must cleanse our stagnant liver.

You must avoid mucous containing foods. Here is a list of mucous containing foods

1, eggs

2. CHEESE

3. MILK PRODUCTS

4. GLUTEN

5 CANOLA OIL

6. SOY PRODUCTS

7. ELIMINATE FOODS WHERE PRIMARY SOURCE US FROM FATS

If you do get a respiratory virus ( and there plenty this year) consume a primarily liquid diet of broths, coconut water, celery juice and cucumber juice.

Stay healthy this winter….

Until tomorrow…

JANUARY 10, 2024 FIZZ OR NO FIZZ

How often do you buy or order sparkling water at a restaurant? What happened to ‘ tap water’ or ‘water in a bottle without fizz ? “Sparkling water, with its effervescent charm and variety of flavors, has surged in popularity as a refreshing alternative to still water and sugary drinks. This fizzy beverage, often seen as a healthier choice, is surrounded by a mix of opinions regarding its impact on health. While some tout its benefits, others raise concerns about its effects on dental and bone health

Sparkling water, often synonymous with effervescence and refreshment, is essentially water that contains dissolved carbon dioxide gas, either naturally occurring or artificially added. It comes in various forms, including natural mineral water, club soda, tonic water, and flavored sparkling varieties.

Sparkling water also increases the production of a hormone called gherilin Gherilin is a hormone primarily produced by enteroendocrine cells of the gastrointestinal tract, especially the stomach, and is often called a "hunger hormone" because it increases the drive to eat. Blood levels of ghrelin are highest before meals when hungry, returning to lower levels after mealtimes .Ghrelin may help prepare for food intake by increasing gastric motility and stimulating the secretion of gastric acid It is often called the Hunger hormone

A study was done in 2022 It had 20 male participants drink either carbonated or plain water, and the results matched those of the rodent study. The men who drank either unsweetened or artificially sweetened carbonated water had triple the blood levels of ghrelin than did those who drank either plain water or degassed sparkling water. This could lead to obesity and weight gain - another problem with sparkling water

One of the primary benefits of sparkling water is its ability to hydrate the body just as effectively as still water. This is particularly beneficial for those who find the taste of regular water bland and are looking for a more palatable option to meet their hydration needs. So drink regular water. I’d rather see my patients have more regular flat water than carbonated water !

Until tomorrow

JANUARY 9, 2024 ARTHRITIS

Do you have any aches and pains ? I know I do. It probably is arthritis. My father suffered with arthritis in his late fifties from years as a truck driver. Arthritis, a condition characterized by painful inflammation and stiffness of the joints, affects millions worldwide The foods you eat can affect arthritis Understanding the role of diet in managing arthritis is crucial, as certain foods can exacerbate symptoms. This post delves into specific foods known to worsen arthritis My self taught clinical nutrition experience ( as I didn’t have a nutrition course in Medical School) is that night shade vegetables affect arthritis- these are peppers, eggplants and tomatoes.

There is something more common than nightshades which we as Americans consume every day - It is SUGAR. Foods high in sugar are notorious for their role in increasing inflammation, a key factor in arthritis pain. When sugar is consumed, the body experiences a spike in insulin and inflammatory markers, which can exacerbate joint pain and swelling

We do know that red meat affects arthritis. Historically we know that gout is affected by the intake of red meat- just take a look at British History and Henry VIII

Dairy products, although a key source of calcium and protein, can be problematic for some individuals with arthritis. They contain certain types of proteins, such as casein, which may trigger inflammation in people who are sensitive to these proteins. This is the reasn I do Ig G food allergy testing . Dairy and gluten are the most inflammatory food for many individuals.

Eat better for your arthritis… Get some food allergy testing done

Until tomorrow…

JANUARY 8, 2024 ULTRA PROCESSED FOODS

WE all have consumed ultra processed foods You might be eating less of them these days with current studies linking processed foods to many chronic diseases. Ultra processed foods is our food culture and for many people it is the only available and affordable food

In this great detailed book, UPF by Chris van Tulleken you can read all about ultra processed foods.

There is not a diet plan in this book. I love that He studied himself with colleagues at University of London. He ate for one month a diet consuming 80 %of Ultra processed foods.

You MUST read this book I guarantee when you finish this food you will think twice about grabbing those chips, cookies, canned soups and much more

This is a great book Tell your friends. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it

Until tomorrow…

JANUARY 4, 2024 ASTHMA

With breathing being such an integral part of life -and indeed health- it’s essential to find ways to effectively manage its effects whenever possible. For those who have asthma, managing symptoms can be difficult and troublesome. Thankfully, there are natural remedies that you can use There are many natural remedies I utilize to help my patients with asthma or breathing problems.

If the outdoor air quality isn’t great or you’re in a situation where there are a lot of airborne particles (construction), wearing a mask may benefit your sensitive lungs. We all did use masks for the last 3 years during COVID It was not ideal in some cases but it did help some patients

Although asthma often requires medication to prevent and manage symptoms, certain herbal remedies can relieve shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, and other asthma-related issues. Herbs such as ginger, turmeric, and eucalyptus contain natural anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in the airways. The most common ways people use these herbs to relieve their asthma symptoms are by drinking herbal teas In this department I excel in giving you the right herbs for your lungs. It is not always Elderberry which many of us think of when we have lung problems.

I use Horehound, Lungwort and Elecampane. I always use raw honey in these teas as honey is excellent for the lungs.

Until tomorrow…

JANUARY 3, 2023 MAINTAINING A GOOD BLOOD PRESSURE

Maintaining healthy blood pressure is crucial for overall well-being, yet many are unaware of how certain foods can subtly influence it. Today blood pressure classifications have changed If your diastolic blood pressure reading ( the bottom number ) is 85, you are considered hypertensive. Certain foods can influence your blood pressure

You need to avoid processed meats. Processed meats are a staple in many diets, but they’re also a significant source of hidden sodium, a known contributor to high blood pressure. Items such as ham, sausages, and bacon are not just rich in flavor; they’re packed with salt to enhance taste and preserve the product. This high sodium content can increase blood pressure, posing a risk to heart health. I can recall eating these processed meats as a child Regular consumption of these meats has been linked to chronic conditions like heart disease and stroke. It’s not just the amount of sodium that’s concerning but also the frequency of consumption

It would be nice to have a warm soup on these upcoming cold days Canned soups, often perceived as a convenient and healthy meal option, can be surprisingly high in sodium. This hidden sodium turns a seemingly wholesome choice into a potential risk for those monitoring their blood pressure. The contrast is stark when comparing homemade soups to their canned counterparts I rather prefer a good homemade soup over any canned soup.

Lastly you would think sugar substitutes are better than white sugar. These are even worse at times. In addition to the growing cancer concern with these substitutes , you must watch for potential risks of increasing your blood pressure. Artificial sweeteners, often found in foods and beverages, are marketed as a healthier alternative to sugar, but their impact on blood pressure is a subject of growing concern. These sweeteners, such as aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin, are prevalent in many ‘diet’ or ‘light’ products, offering sweetness without the calories. However, recent studies suggest that these substitutes may have their own health implications, including potential effects on blood pressure.

So what I am saying, Eat wisely…

Until tomorrow…

JANUARY 2, 2024 A NEW YEAR ... NEW STUDIES

In 2022, Robert Krikorian, PhD, and his team published research that found adding blueberries to the daily diets of certain middle-aged populations may lower the chances of developing late-life dementia. He said the current research into strawberries is an extension to the blueberry research. The addition of blueberries into your dietary lifestyle decreases the probability of dementia The same can be said of ‘ strawberries ‘ “Both strawberries and blueberries contain antioxidants called anthocyanins, which have been implicated in a variety of berry health benefits such as metabolic and cognitive enhancements

While more research is needed, Krikorian said the strawberry treatment may have improved cognitive function by reducing inflammation in the brain. The study groups need to be larger and more studies small and large need to be published.

We know that anthocyanins do play a pivotal role in the health of the human body. The studies are there. I would rather you get the anthocyanins from food as in blueberries and strawberries rather than take a supplement.

So when you thinking about a snack THINK BERRIES

Until tomorrow…